In July, I attended the Romance Writers of America National Conference in San Diego. I ended up eating breakfast with two professors—one from Williams College and the other from the University of Oaklahoma. As I spoke to them, a character formed in my head, one who would eventually become Nevada Parker, the heroine of The Valentine Quest.

Both women were gracious enough to help me with research. My heroine is a PhD candidate in Comparative Literature at Columbia University and winds up in Montana to write her dissertation and teach a course at a local college. That is something this former mechanical engineer knew nothing about. I can’t think Emily and Julie enough for their help with Nevada. Though I must admit I’m a little nervous about sending them copies once the book is out in paperback!

Keep your competition close…and your heart even closer.

When Nevada Parker travels to Marietta, Montana, she anticipates enough peace and quiet to finish her PhD dissertation. Cupidville turns out to be anything but quiet. In fact, it looks like Valentine’s Day—her least favorite holiday—exploded all over the small town.

Among the sea of red hearts, “Be Mine” signs, and pink, pink, pink, Nevada spots a flyer for a multi-day race called The Valentine Quest. The grand prize—a luxury tropical vacation—would be the perfect welcome-home gift for her brother who’s leaving the military.

Dustin Decker sure could use a break from giving city slickers sleigh rides. Even with a bum knee from his bull-riding days, the race’s grand prize is as good as his—until he realizes he needs a partner if he wants to win.

He makes a strategic pact with the prim, bookish Nevada. But with a kiss, their unlikely alliance turns into something more…and soon, racing isn’t the only thing on their minds. As the finish line nears, they must decide if the grand prize is worth more than what they’ve found together…or if one of them will walk away empty handed—and brokenhearted.

The Love at the Chocolate Shop series
Book 1: Melt My Heart, Cowboy by CJ Carmichael
Book 2: A Thankful Heart by Melissa McClone
Book 3: Montana Secret Santa by Debra Salonen
Book 4: The Chocolate Cure by Roxanne Snopek
Book 5: The Valentine Quest by Melissa McClone
Book 6: Charmed by Chocolate by Steena Holmes

Buy it today! http://melissamcclone.com/TVQ_KINDLE